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This platform has been a gift to so many of us. Since the very beginning of my journey here I’ve always said that the relationships and community we build here are the most important aspect of Steemit. Throughout all of the ups and downs of life, the volatility of the crypto market, and unknowns of the stability of Steemit itself, I still believe this to ring true. 

What a surprise it was to receive the Steem Torch a few days ago from @lizelle. Lizelle is someone who takes the time to thoughtfully engage with both her followers and followees. Her Steemit page [(click here to view her page and please follow her)](https://steemit.com/@lizelle) is full of interesting posts about food, her beloved home of South Africa, and life itself. 

She is a nurturer, a connector, a giver. She has embraced this wonderful community and throughout the course of her time with us, she has become a great asset to Steemit in the process. 

Thanks for passing on the torch to me Lizelle! 
 
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For the 250th Steem Torch recipient I would like to nominate the very talented artist @opheliafu. Ophelia has been on Steemit as long as I have and we became friends just a few months into our time here on the platform. 

We met face-to-face for the first time in Amsterdam for SteemFest1. I remember she had her sketchpad there during my presentation for Alarm Clock Dawn and she gifted me some of her drawings. We also attended her workshop at the LX Factory during SteemFest2 in Lisbon, Portugal. More recently, we spent the day with her and her family in London enjoying a few museums and scones slathered with jam and clotted cream. 

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From there Ophelia took us to Kensington Park where we stumbled onto this rare sight...wild parrots in London. 

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Ophelia is a very prolific artist and, more importantly, an extremely kind soul. I can think of no better person to entrust the Steem Torch to. I’m confident that it’s in good hands and will be well taken care of. 

To learn more about Ophelia’s art please visit (and follow) her [Steemit page by clicking here.](https://steemit.com/@opheliafu)
 
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Both of these ladies personify the spirit of Steemit as does this Steem Torch initiative. I was very honored to be a part of it. 

To read more about the details of the Steem Torch please see @geekgirl’s original post [HERE](https://steemit.com/steem/@geekgirl/steem-torch)
 
With Gratitude,
~Eric Vance Walton~








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*I am an American novelist, poet, traveler, and crypto-enthusiast. If you’ve enjoyed my work please sign up for my author newsletter at [my website.](http://www.ericvancewalton.net) Newsletter subscribers will receive exclusive updates and special offers and your information will never be sold or shared. 

[Alarm Clock Dawn](https://www.amazon.com/Alarm-Clock-Dawn-Vance-Walton/dp/150851335X), one of the first full length novels published on the blockchain, and the book that started it all for me can be found [HERE](https://www.amazon.com/Alarm-Clock-Dawn-Vance-Walton/dp/150851335X). Or [Click Here](https://steemit.com/steemit/@dreemit/table-of-contents-for-the-first-novel-ever-published-on-the-blockchain-alarm-clock-dawn-by-eric-vance-walton-if-you-have-yet-to) to read it for free on the Steemit blockchain

My book on meditation, [The Perfect Pause,](https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Pause-Meditating-Your-Ultimate/dp/154708295X/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8) is priced at $12.99 (paperback) and $4.99 (eBook). Buy the paperback and receive the eBook for free!
 
 
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